Marines train to be Docs in combat

Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Sgt. Esteven Guereca, a motor transport logistics vehicle system operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 24, from Flagstaff, Ariz., examines a simulated casualty during the final assessment of the Combat Lifesaver Course, Aug. 12. Before the students received the certificates for completing the course, they were evaluated on how they performed in different medical scenarios.  

UNITED STATES

08.12.2009

Story by Pfc. Khoa Pelczar 

1st Marine Logistics Group

A corpsman's job is to provide medical needs to Marines and Sailors in a combat environment and at home. To make sure Marines are combat effective, Marine Logistics Group Marines were encouraged to take the Combat Lifesaver Course before they deploy overseas.

Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attended a three-day CLS course, Aug. 10-12, to prepare themselves to deal with situations requiring medical care in combat environment.

"The course educates Marines to handle injuries by themselves in the battlefield while corpsmen aren't around," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Joezette D. Julien, a corpsman with CLR-17, 1st MLG. " It gives Marines an opportunity to see life through a corpsman's eyes."

Each day of the course covered different medical situations Marines may face in combat. Instructors gave students the chance to practice providing emergency medical care to fellow students with simulated injuries.

The class covered the basics of medical care like how to treat an open cut, handling fractures, opening the airway, applying a tourniquet, dealing with different degrees of burns and treating for shock.

"It's a great class to be in, a refresher even when you already know this stuff," said Sgt. Stephen D. Ellis, embarkation non-commissioned officer with CLR-17, 1st MLG, 23, from Houston. "I really appreciate the hands-on help the instructors are providing."

While students were practicing among themselves, the instructors walked around, making sure that students were doing everything they were supposed to, providing them with additional information and life experience.

"We want the Marines to be more confident, more equipped so they can help themselves and the corpsmen with medical service out in the field," said Julien, 26, from San Diego.

After provided all the fundamentals of combat medicine in the first two days of the course to the Marines, instructors tested the students with a 30-question written exam and a final field exercise.

During the field exercise, Marines walked into random scenarios given to them by the instructors and were evaluated on how they handled them. If they passed, they had completed the training; if not, they had two more chances to try again before they failed the course.

The CLS course is a useful tool for Marines and Sailors alike. It has proven effective in helping to save lives on the battlefield and prepared them for combat. After completing the training, Marines had gained confidence and were equipped with the skills necessary to save a fellow service member's life when a corpsman isn't around.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2009
• Date Posted: 08.18.2009 17:22
• Story ID: 37664
• Location: US